Wednesday, March 04, 2009

The Duke @ Disneyland, August 1965

From August 1965 comes this set of shots featuring Duke Ellington & his band. Shot #1 showcases drummer Louie Bellson. Ellington said of Bellson “Not only the world’s greatest drummer…he’s the world’s greatest musician!” Bellson married singer Pearl Bailey in 1952. Besides being part of an interracial marriage which was rare for the early '50s, Bellson was also the only white member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Sadly, Bellson passed away just recently on February 14 at the age of 84.

2 shots of the stage in Tomorrowland:

2 of the Duke himself:

Here’s one of alto sax player Johnny Hodges, who played for Ellington for 38 years.

Katella - I could not say for sure. One source (who worked at the park during this time) says there was a bandstand setup outside the 20k exhibit; one other blog reader (who was probably still in diapers at the time) says that is outside the Space Bar.

Take it from me Dave. This was absolutely in front of the 20K Exhibit. If you look at picture #4, you can see a roof pylon and the awnings that covered the area. I remember it like it was yesterday... or maybe the day before.

Dave. I was there working in the Thimble Drome Flight Circle at the time. That was the summer we did some night shows because of the great crowds. Benny Goodman also used the same band stands area, which was set up just in front of the 20 K exhibit. They used the area at the Space Bar for lesser known, and smaller, bands because there was never really a true "bandstand", just a movable platform. The setup at the 20 K was a major deal to set up, and took several days to install with all the sounds, etc.

About Me

Photographer/artist for hire and pop culture junkie. My art has been on “Larry King Live!”, book published, and gallery exhibited. I take a lot of photos and spend way too much time at The Chateau Marmont.